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germancho's review against another edition
5.0
Beautiful art and storytelling techniques that somehow harken back to a simpler time in comics were characters were flawed but human, living an archetypal topos. I shouldn't have waited so long in getting this book.
ben_miller's review
4.0
An enjoyable blend of lofty religious ideals, childlike humor, and broad adventure. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
oliviak07's review against another edition
4.0
A series I have passed countless times while scanning the shelves of my public library, by an author that any manga rookie and veteran should know, the first installment of the "Buddha" series by Osamu Tezuka (aka "the father of manga", "the godfather of manga" and "the god of manga") is the start of a saga that will activate the senses, entertainment, and historical and cultural curiosity of the reader who holds the volume in their grasp.
I am glad that as a gift my boyfriend received for Christmas I was inspired to try the series out this time around, and to read and discuss it alongside him as we both explore bigger topics covered in manga (such as religion, LGBTQ+ themes, self-care, mental health, etc.).
A first step into the ever changing and ever self-advocating lives of several legends in the history of Buddhism, readers will be lead on a journey complete with maps, definitions, and gorgeous illustrations to soften any concerns of it being too detailed and deep. Tezuka lulls the reader into a lesson on the vastness of one of the world's oldest and largest religions, instead of throwing everything at you at one time. He takes the practice of thoughtfulness and applies it to the way the volume flows, and for that makes the reading experience gentle and calming.
Far different than some textbooks or scholarly accounts on the topic.
This is not to say this series should replace all textbooks on the subject, or that it is 100% authentic. I know as a reader I will have to take everything from the names of the kingdoms, to the names of the characters, to the practices of their cultures and castes with a grain of salt. However, like a textbook, the series makes one want to learn more about the factual history of the cultures and religions of the area and time, and how they remain the same or differ in the modern age.
Finally, I enjoy how the heroes and heroines of the series are not privileged from the beginning, but find it along the way. This of course is not always in the form of treasures, but it is also in the form of finding the self and their true being in this world (and the next). That should give readers a boost of hope for what they discover in themselves over the next year, decade, and into the future.
I am sure I will find more sources that will cause me to correct some of my thoughts on this series, and on Buddhism, while I continue with the series, until then I am going to enjoy what Volume 1 has given me, and look forward to what is to come.
I am glad that as a gift my boyfriend received for Christmas I was inspired to try the series out this time around, and to read and discuss it alongside him as we both explore bigger topics covered in manga (such as religion, LGBTQ+ themes, self-care, mental health, etc.).
A first step into the ever changing and ever self-advocating lives of several legends in the history of Buddhism, readers will be lead on a journey complete with maps, definitions, and gorgeous illustrations to soften any concerns of it being too detailed and deep. Tezuka lulls the reader into a lesson on the vastness of one of the world's oldest and largest religions, instead of throwing everything at you at one time. He takes the practice of thoughtfulness and applies it to the way the volume flows, and for that makes the reading experience gentle and calming.
Far different than some textbooks or scholarly accounts on the topic.
This is not to say this series should replace all textbooks on the subject, or that it is 100% authentic. I know as a reader I will have to take everything from the names of the kingdoms, to the names of the characters, to the practices of their cultures and castes with a grain of salt. However, like a textbook, the series makes one want to learn more about the factual history of the cultures and religions of the area and time, and how they remain the same or differ in the modern age.
Finally, I enjoy how the heroes and heroines of the series are not privileged from the beginning, but find it along the way. This of course is not always in the form of treasures, but it is also in the form of finding the self and their true being in this world (and the next). That should give readers a boost of hope for what they discover in themselves over the next year, decade, and into the future.
I am sure I will find more sources that will cause me to correct some of my thoughts on this series, and on Buddhism, while I continue with the series, until then I am going to enjoy what Volume 1 has given me, and look forward to what is to come.
morhane's review
adventurous
emotional
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
hsienhsien27's review against another edition
4.0
The first volume is pretty good, it's pretty funny, the artwork is great, what do you expect Osamu Tezuka? I think it's great.
katiewhiteley's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5